1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2940 mm |
